Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) is a bacterium that many antibiotics, including vancomycin cannot fight. Enterococci bacteria are commonly found in the bowel of healthy people; and may also be found in the urinary tract of women. This bacterium rarely causes serious illness in healthy people. People may carry VRE and have no symptoms.

How is VRE spread?

VRE is spread from one person to another by direct or indirect contact, but is not spread through the air like the cold or flu virus. Enterococci grow well on the hands and can survive for weeks or months on surfaces such as toilet seats, door handles, and furniture. The bacterium can be passed to others by touching contaminated surfaces and not washing hands.

Who is most at risk for VRE infection?

Healthy people are not likely to become ill with VRE. When healthy people test positive with the bacteria, they rarely become ill. People at high risk are usually found in hospitals and have underlying medical conditions that make them more susceptible to infection. These conditions include:

• Critically ill patients in intensive care units
• Patients with severe underlying diseases (such as cancer) or weak immune systems (such as AIDS) 
• Patients who have had major surgery 
• Patients with urinary catheters 
• Patients who have an IV catheter or central venous catheter 
• Patients who have received many antibiotics, mainly vancomycin 
• Patients who have been hospitalized in a facility or unit with other cases of VRE 

What treatment is available for VRE?

VRE does not cause illness in healthy individuals. Most people with VRE eliminate the bacteria on their own. If treatment is necessary, combinations of antibiotics are used. Your physician will determine a treatment plan.

last updated: 2005

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VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus) Fact Sheet